Torque-equalizing operating mechanism for awning type windows



April 1961 J. c. BENNETT 2,981,538

TORQUE-EQUALIZING MECHANISM FOR AWNING TYPE WINDOWS Filed April 9, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. k/v/zs C- 84571014577 April 25, 1961 J. c. BENNETT 2,981,538 TORQUE-EQUALIZING MECHANISM FOR AWNING TYPE WINDOWS Filed April 9, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 59 21 58 v QMIM as 47 Y INVENTOR. 52 w 1, I 1 1 5 (1854 4 57; UM? B mcu flrrae/vzy.

United States Patent F TORQUE-EQUALIZING OPERATING MECHANISM FOR AWNING TYPE WINDOWS James C. Bennett, Los Angeles, Calif., assiguor to Mission-West Manufacturing Company, Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of Delaware Filed Apr. 9, 1956, Ser. No. 577,145

16 Claims. (Cl. 268-23) This invention relates to awning type windows wherein a plurality of window panes are pivoted at their ends one above the other in a window frame and operated in unison to swing between closed'and open positions. More particularly, this invention relates to means for operor canted.

In instances where the shaft actuating or drive means is mounted centrally of ends of the shaft and applies the driving force centrally of such ends, the desired uniform torque is developed at the ends of the shaft, thereby precluding uneven positioning or canting of the panes. However, this location of the drive means centrally of the ends of the shaft is objectionable as this arrangement is costly by comparison with the end-drive arrangement, as well as unsightly. It also becomes an undesirable obstruction at the center of the window sill as well as entails installation problems with respect to the frame and window sill.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved torque-equalizing operating means for awning type windows, which will eliminate the objections and disadvantages heretofore encountered and assure that the panes will be uniformly positioned when opened and closed.

It is another object of this invention to provide operating means such as described which includes novel adjusting means operable to compensate for any'twist in the shaft or warpage of the window frame, whereby the panes will be uniformlypositioned when 'opened or closed. V

It is an additional object of this invention toprovide a novel torque-equalizing drive shaft unit for actuating the panes of an awning type window, wherein the turning force for the shaft is applied thereto in such a manner from an operating unit mounted at'a side of the window frame adjacent an-end of the shaft, that uniform and equal torque is developed at'the ends of, theshaft with consequent uniform'positioning ofthepanes actuated by linkage connected with the ends of the shaft.

It is a further object hereof to provide a torque equalizing drive shaft unit such as described which embodies a tubular driven shaft and a driving rod or shaft mounted within the tubular shaft and drivingly engaged therewith only at'a point which is nearer to the center of the driven shaft than to the ends of the ends of the shaft whereby a a driving'force applied to an end of the rod will result inthe development of like and uniform torque at the ends ofthe'drivenjshaft, resulting in a'uniformposition- 'ing of'thewindowpanes actuated from the ends of the shaft. I Y

This

2,981,538 3 Patented Apr. 25, 1961 Another object of this invention is to provide an improved crank-operated drive unit for actuating a torque rod or shaft unit that is operatively connected with the window panes of an awning type window, such drive unit being subject to an easy operation to open and close the panes.

It is another object thereof to provide a drive unit such as described which may be mounted for operation at either side of the window.

Further it is an object hereof to provide an improved operating mechanism for the panes of an awning type window, which has a novel drive connection with the drive rod for turning the tubular driven shaft, this drive connection being adjustable to compensate for a shaft that may be out of true or has become twisted as well as to compensate for warpage of the window frame, wherebyproper uniform positioning of the panes is assured.

This invention possesses many other advantages and has other objects which may bemade more easily apparent from a consideration of one embodiment of the invention. For this purpose there is shown a form in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. This form will now be described in detail, illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that this detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an awning type window embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevational view of the lower part of the window shown in Fig. 1, with parts broken away and shown in section for clarity of illustration;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross section taken on the line 44 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a cross section taken on the line 5--5 of Fig. 2; i

Fig. 6 is'an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 1, showing parts in a different position than in Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken onthe line 7-7 of Fig. 6, showing parts in a different position than shown in full lines in Fig. 6;

Fig. Sis a sectional view taken on the line 88 of Fig. 7; and

Fig. 9 is a detailed sectional view taken on line 9--9 of Fig. 7.

The present invention, as shown in the accompanying i drawings, is embodied in an awning type window which projecting upwardly from the upper corners of the frames 5 are pivoted as at 7 to the side member 3 of the window frame 1.

rocably guided in channels 12 formed in the side members 3 of the window frame 1'. The lower ends of the slide bars 11 are pivoted as at 14to the upper ends of the links 15. The links 15 are pivoted at their lower feuds as at 16 tocrank arms 17 and 18 operatively ctm-v member or sill of the frame.

developed at the ends of the shaft. 'causes the window frames to be irregularly positioned or with consequent irregularly positioned panes.

.located at a side of the window frame.

menses nected with ends of a shaft unit 20. The. shaft .unit extends across the lower end of the window frame 1 and is turned about its axis to reciprocate the slide bars .11 for opening and closing the window panes '2 in unison. FA crank operated drive unit21, mounted at a side of .the' lower end of the window frame, is operable for turnas unsightly or constitute as much ofan obstruction, as

when mounted between the sides of the window frame. Moreover, the sides of the window frame offer a better and more convenientv mounting than the bottom cross This is especially the case, as the shaft unit 20 is mounted in the lower'cross or sill member of the window" frame and takes up most of the available space therein. Y

The side mounting of the drive unit 21 is advantageous for the reasons stated, but it presents the problem of driving a comparatively long shaft from one end of the shaft with the result that unequal torque will be This unequal torque canted. It may also cause permanent twists in the shaft In some instances the operating mechanism may be damaged by the unequal torque developed in the shaft.

This objection may be overcome by mounting the drive or actuating means for the shaft centrally of the ends of the shaft. However, as pointed out, this arrangement is costly by comparison with the driving of the shaft from one end, and the drive means is unsightly and becomes an obstruction. Even with this center drive arrangement the panes will not be uniformly positioned in the event the window frame is warped or twisted out of true as well as in case the shaft becomes twisted.

In accordance with the present invention, the shaft unit 28 is constructed and arranged so that a driving force is applied thereto in a manner-assuring that the same and equal torque will be developed at the ends of the shaft responsive to the operation of drive means Moreover, provision is made for adjusting the drive means to comensate for any twist in the window frame or shaft,

whereby the panes will be uniformly positioned.

Referring more specifically to the shaft unit 20, it

is seen that, as here shown, it includes atubular driven shaft 23 extending across the lower end of the window frame 1 in closely spaced relation tothe' lower cross rmember or sill 24 of the frame.

One end of the shaft 23 has the crank'arm 17 fixed thereto by means of a set screw 25, as shown in Fig.3. This crank arm has a' tubular 'portion 26 (see Fig. 2) which is mounted to turn in a bearing 27 fixed in one lower corner of the window frame. 'The other .end of i the shaft 23 (see Fig. 7) has a tubular member 28 fixed thereon in surrounding relation thereto and mounted to turn in a bearing 29 at the other lower corner of the window frame 1. The tubular member 28 is a partof means 30, which will be hereinafter more fully described,.for'

ing of the shaft 23 in a manner to be hereinafter described. As shown in Fig. 6, the shaft.23 is substantial- 1y concealed behind'an upstanding-flange 31 on the cross member or sill 24 of the window frame.

For the purpose of transmitting a turning force to 'thetubulardriv'en shaft 23 in a manner as'suringthat like and equal torque will be developed at the ends thereof, a driving shaft or torque rod 32 is extended into the tubular shaft from one end thereof. The rod 32 is free from contact with the inner surface of the shaft except at the inner end of the rod where it is drivingly connected with the tubular shaft. This driving connection is located between the ends of the shaft and includes a cap 33 secured on the inner end of the torque rod 32 by means of a pin 34. This pin is extended through the tubular shaft 23, the cap 33 and the torque rod. As here shown, the cap 33 is of non-circular cross section corresponding to that of the tubular shaft 23 and is drivingly engaged with the interior surface of this shaft. Also it should be noted that the torque rod 32, as here shown, is solid and of non-circular cross section, with its inner end tightly engaged with a corresponding non-circular interior surface of the cap 33.

The outer end of the torque rod 32 extends beyond the adjacent end of the tubular shaft 23 so that a turning force may be applied thereto whereby the tubular shaft may be turned for operating the panes 2 in unison.

The crank operated means 21 for driving the torque rod 32 is contained in a housing 36 secured, as here shown, in the lower right hand corner portion of the window frame 1. The means 21 includes a hand crank 37 mounted on the housing 36 in a bearing 38 so as to turn a stub shaft 39 carried by the crank. This stub shaft .is of non-circular cross section and engaged in a socket 40 of similar cross section formed in one end of a worm 41. The worm 41 is journalled at its ends adjacent the top of the housing 36 and drives a worm wheel 42 vmounted on a shaft 43 rotatable in bearings 44. The

worm wheel 42 drives a pinion 45 fixed to one side thereof. The pinion 45 drives a segment gear 46 mounted on a shaft 47 rotatable in bearings 48 in the housing.

. The shaft 47 is aligned with the torque rod 32, the rod being provided with a socket 49 of non-circular cross section corresponding to that of the torque rod. The outer end of the torque rod is seated in the socket 49 and thus the rod will turn responsive to movement of the segment gear 46 in either direction. The ratio of the gearing in this drive or operating unit 21 is such that a considerable mechanical advantage is obtained in opcrating the hand crank 37, but comparatively little efiort being required to turn the crank for moving the window panes in unison between closed and open positions.

The means 30 for connecting the crank arm 18 with member 28 which in turn is fixed on the shaft 23 to turn therewith. The crank arm 18 has a tubular end ;'portion 52 which surrounds and is rotatable on the tubular member 28. The tubular end portion 52 is confined .:between a shoulder 53 on the member 28 anda wall 54 of the housing 36 for the operating means 21.

The" crank arms 51 and 18 are provided respectively with elements that .are cooperable to drive the crank arm 18'Which inturn, through the associated link 15,

' will reciprocate the associated slide bar 11. With reference to' Figs, 6, 7 and 9, it will be seen that crank'arm 51 has a screw 55'which is adjustably mounted in a lateralextension 56' thereof and engaged with a laterally ex- -:'.tending lug 57 intermediate the ends of the crank arm 18. Likewise the crank arm 18 hasa screw 58 adjustably mounted in a' lateral extension 59 of the'arm 18 and engaged with laterally projecting lug 60 onithe crank arm -51. Thus, the crank arm 51 drives the crank arm and 60 respectivel thereof will be varied. This adjustment may be effected as desired in case .the window frame is'out of true or the 'shaft20 becomes twisted or is out of true, thereby providing for uniform positioning of the panes 2 relative to one another when opened.

It should be noted that the shaft unit 23 and the op erating unit 21 are constructed and arranged so that the operating unit may be installed on either side of the window frame.

It will now be apparent that the shaft unit and the operating unit 21 will provide for movement of the window panes 2 in unison between closed and open positions with assurance that the panes will be positioned uniformly relative to one another. This is brought about by reason of uniform torque being developed at the ends of the shaft 23 and then applied in like manner through the crank arms 17 and 18, links 15, slide bars 11 and crank arms 8 to the panes 2. The equal torque at the ends of shaft23 is provided by applying the turning force to the shaft 23 at the approximate center of the shaft or at a point that is nearer this center than the ends of the shaft. Upon operation, the actuating means 21 is located adjacent an end of the shaft at a corner of the window frame.

I claim: I

1. Operating mechanism for an awning type Window comprising: an elongated shaft; means for rotatably mounting said shaft on the frame of a window; means on end portions of said shaft for operatively connecting said shaft with the panes of the window; driving means located and operable adjacent an end of said shaft, said driving means including a drive shaft coaxial with said elongated shaft; and means on one end of said drive shaft drivingly connected with said elongated shaft at a point nearer to the central portion of said elongated shaft than to said end portions. i

2. Operating mechanism for an awning type window comprising: an elongated shaft; means for rotatably mounting said shaft on the frame of a window; means on end portions of said shaft for operatively connecting said shaft with the panes of the window; driving means for imparting only at a point approximately centrally of the ends of said shaft. a force for rotating said shaft;

' said elongated shaft having-a longitudinal bore; said driving means including a driveshaft extended into said bore; means connecting one end of said drive shaft with said point on said elongated shaft; and means operable at the other end of said drive shaft for rotating said drive shaft.

3. A torque equalizing operating mechanism for moving the swingably mounted panes of an awning type window in unison between closed and open positions, including: an elongated driven shaft; bearing means at the endofsaid shaft mounting said shaft for rotary movement on the frame of awindow; means on the ends of said shaft for operatively connecting the shaft with the panes of said window; a drive shaft coaxial with said driven shaft and having one end disposed at the central portion of said drive shaft; means providing a driving connection between saidone end of said drive shaft and the central portion of'said driven shaft; and drive means operable on said frame in axially spaced relation to an end of said driven shaft and drivingly connected with and supporting the other end of said drive shaft. I

4. A torque equalizing operating mechanism formoving the swingably. mounted panes of an fawning type window in. unison between closed and open positions including: atubular driven shaft; means'mounting said shaft for rotary movement on the frame of thewindow; means on 'saiddriven shaft for operatively connecting the shaft with the panes of they window; a} drive shaft extending into said tubular shaft with one end disposed approximately centrally of the ends of said tubular shaft and the otherend extending axially from the bore of said tubular shaft; means drivingly connecting said one end of said drive shaft with said tubular shaft;.andmeans connected with said other end of the drive shaft for supporting and driving said drive shaft.

5. Operating mechanism for an awning type window comprising: an elongateddriven shaft; bearing means at the lower corners of the frame of the window for rotatably supporting the ends of said shaft; means on.

said shaft adjacent the ends thereof for operatively connecting said shaft with the panes of said window; ,a rotary drive shaft coaxial with said driven shaft and having one end disposed at the central portion of said driven shaft; connecting means located at said central portion of said driven shaft drivingly connecting said shafts; said drive shaft having one end remote from one end of said driven shaft; drive means operable adjacent one of said corners; and means drivingly connecting said drive means with and supporting said one end of said drive shaft at a point outwardly spaced from said one end of said driven shaft.

6. Operating mechanism for an awning type window comprising: an elongated driven shaft; bearing means at the lower corners of the frame of the window rotatably supporting the ends of said shaft; means on said shaft adjacent the ends thereof for operatively connecting said shaft with the panes of said window; a rotary drive shaft coaxial with said driven shaft and having a a portion disposed at the central portion of said driven shaft; connecting means located at the central portion of said driven shaft drivingly connecting said portion of said drive shaft with said driven shaft; said drive h shafthavingjone nd remote from said connecting means;

a housing mounted adjacent one of said corners; said one end of said drive shaft extending into said housing;

fixed to end portions of the shaft providing for operative connection of said shaft with the panes of the window; operating means mounted adjacent one of said corners; and means connected with said operating means and said shaft for imparting a driving force to said shaft from the central portion of said shaft; said means comprising: an elongated shaft; bearing means at the lower corners of the frame of the window rotatably mounting the ends of said shaft; a driving crank arm fixed to each end portion of the shaft; means on one side of the window frame for operatively connecting one of said driving crank arms with the panes of the window; a jdriven crank 'arm; means for mounting said driven crank arm on the other side of the Window fram adjacent the other of said driving crank arms; elements relatively adjustable on said other driving crank arm and'said driven crank ar'm respectively, cooperable for driving said driven crank arm responsive to movement of said other driving crank arm; adjustment of said elements effecting relative positioning between said other driving crankriarm and said driven crank arm; means operable on said other side of said frame for operatively connecting said jdriven crank. arm with said panes; a

drive shaft coaxial with said elongated shaft and having one end disposed at the central portion of said elongated.

shaft; means at said central portion drivinglyconnecting said one end of said drive shaft with said elongated shaft; and meansfconnected withfan end of said drive 1 shaft located and operableadjacent one offsaidtcorners i 1 for driving said driye shaft 9. Operating mechanism foran awning type :window comprising: an elongated shaft; bearing means at the lower corners of the frame of the window rotatably mounting the ends of said shaft; a driving crank arm fixed to each end portion of the shaft; means on one side of the window frame for operatively connecting one of said driving crank arms with the panes of the window; a driven crank arm; means for mounting said driven crank arm on the other side of the window frame adjacent the other of said driving crank arms; elements relatively adjustable on said other driving crank arm and said driven crank arm respectively, cooperable for driving said driven crank arm responsive to movement of said other driving crank arm; adjustment of said elements effecting relative positioning between said other driving crank arm and said driven crank arm; means 'operable on said other side of said frame for operatively connecting said driven crank arm with said panes;

said elongated shaft having a longitudinal bore; a drive shaft extending into said bore; conn cting means drivingly coupling said drive shaft with said elongated shaft at the central portion of said elongated shaft; said drive shaft being spaced from driving contact with said elongated shaft except at said connecting means; and means connected with an end of said drive shaft for imparting rotative movement thereto.

10. Cperating mechanism for an awning type window comprising: an elongated shaft; bearing means adapted to be mounted adjacent the lower corners of the frame of the window for rotatably supporting the ends of said shaft; means at the ends of said shaft for operatively connecting said shaft with the panes of the window; a housing adapted to be mounted adjacent one of said corners; a worm gear rotatable in said housing; a crank arm operable on the housing for driving said worm gear; a worm wheel mounted in said housing in operative connection with said worm; a pinion carried by said worm wheel; a segment gear mounted in said housing in operative connection with said pinion; a drive member carried by said segment gear; a drive shaft positioned in coaxial relation with said elongated shaft having one end drivingly engaged with said drive member; and means drivingly connecting the other end of said drive shaft with said elongated shaft to a point substantially centrally of the ends of said elongated shaft; said drive shaft being supported at the ends by said last named means and said drive member, respectively.

11. Operating mechanism for an awning type window comprising: an elongated shaft of non circular cross section having a longitudinal bore of non-circular cross section; bearing means on the ends of said shaft adapted to be mounted at the lower corners of the frame of the window for rotatably supporting said shaft; means on said shaft providing for operative-connection of said shaft with the panes of the window; a drive shaft of non-circular cross sectionin saidbore; means drivingly connecting an end of said drive shaft with said elongated shaft at the central portion of said elongated shaft; said drive shaft being free from driving contact with the in .terior surface of said elongated shaft except where said crank arms; said other driving crank arm and said driven crank arm being adapted for operativ'e connection with the panes of the window; means drivingly connecting said one driving crank arm with said driven crankarm; said.

last named means beingadiustable to changethe relative positions of said one driving crank arm and said driven crank arm; means for rotating said elongated shaft including a drive shaft coaxial with said elongated shaft in spaced relation thereto; and means drivingly connecting one end of said drive shaft to the central portion of the elongated shaft; and means connected to the other end of the drive shaft operable for rotating the drive shaft.

13. A torque equalizing shaft unit for operating an awning type window comprising: a tubular driven shaft having means on opposite ends thereof providing for rotatably mounting said shaft on the frame of the window; means on said shaft providing for operative connection of the shaft with the panes of the window; a drive shaft coaxial with and mounted within said driven shaft with one end disposed at the central portion of the driven shaft; the other end of said drive shaft being disposed to be driven adjacent an end of the driven shaft; and means located at said central portion of said driven shaft drivingly connecting said central portion of said driven shaft with said one end of said drive shaft.

14. A torque equalizing shaft unit for operating an awning type window including: an elongated tubular shaft having means thereon providing for rotatably mounting said shaft on the frame of the window; means on said shaft providing for operative connections between said shaft and the panes of the window; a drive shaft extending into said tubular shaft and'having one end disposed to be driven adjacent an end of the driven shaft; and means located between the ends of the driven shaft for drivingly connecting said drive shaft with said driven said shaft providing for a operative connection between said shaft and the panes of the window; a drive shaft extending into said tubular shaft and having one end disposed to be driven adjacent an end of the driven shaft; said drive shaft being free from driving contact with said driven shaft except at the other end of said drive shaft; and means at said other end of said drive shaft drivingly connecting said drive shaft with said driven shaft at a point centrally of the ends of said driven shaft.

16. An operating mechanism for an awning window assembly of the type having a frame and a sash pivotally mounted on the frame; said mechanism comprising a housing mounted at the bottom of the frame at either side tom of the frame for connection with the connecting means at either side of the housing; said shaft assembly comprising an outer tubular shaft; means for rotatably mounting said outer shaft so as to; extend between opposite sides of the frame; means adjacent opposite ends of said outer shaft for operative connection to the sash; and an inner coaxial shaft drivingly connected to the approximate midpoint of the outer shaft and extending beyond one end of the outer shaft and drivingly connected with the connecting means on one of said sides of said housing.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,522,182 Graeber Jan. 6, 1925 2,122,570 Gullborg July 5. 1938 2,304,960 Schane Dec. 15, 1942 2,441,265 Frye May 11, 1948 2,551,590 Perri May 8, 1951 2,613,405 Moseley Oct. 14, 1952 2,758,834 Sanford et a]. Aug. 14, 1956 2,774,590 Blanchard .L Dec. 18, 1956 

